Schaefer likely to attend Opening Day

Gov. William Donald Schaefer, reversing himself, said yesterday he probably will attend Opening Day at the new baseball stadium he helped get constructed.

In recent public statements, the governor has said he would avoid the game. Observers suggested it was out of concern for his sagging popularity.

But asked yesterday at a stadium news conference if he intended to be there Monday for the first game, Mr. Schaefer said, "Most likely."

Mr. Schaefer was an early and powerful advocate of building the downtown Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

President Bush is scheduled to throw out the first ball, but his press secretary Frank Traynor said, "I wouldn't be surprised if the president tells the governor to come on down and help me with this."